The Braes of Yarrow (1820, Edinburgh)/The Birth of May
THE BIRTH OF MAY.
When rural lads and lasses gay,Proclaim’d the birth of rosy May,When round the maypole on the green,The rustic dancers all were seen;
Twas there young Jockey met my view,His like before I never knew;He pip'd so sweet and danc'd so gay,Alas! he danc,d my heart away
At eve when cakes and ale went round,He plac’d him next me on the ground;With harmless mirth and pleasing jest,He shone more bright than all the rest:He talk’d of love, and press’d my hand.Ah who could such a youth withstand?Well pleas’d I heard what he could say,Alas! he stole my heart away.
He often heav'd a tender sigh,While rapture sparkled in his eye;So winning was his grace and air,He might the coldest heart ensnare:But when he ask’d me for his bride,I promis’d soon and soon comply’d,What nymph on earth could say him nay?Alas! he stole my heart away.